first visit to Switzerland
Jul 30th, 2006, 04:26 AM
#1
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first visit to Switzerland
I will be in Switzerland for the first time about Nov 10 and staying in Zurich. There is a good possibility I will have two consecutive free weekdays. I am thinking about taking the train to Lucern and to Interlachen and spending the night. 1) Is this a reasonable plan.2)Which would be the better town to stay.3)I have to be back in Z by late afternoon or early evening of the second day. Could weather delay or cancel my return train travel to Zurich. Any other suggestions on how to spend those two days? Thanks in advance for help and advice.
Jul 30th, 2006, 04:44 AM
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>Could weather delay or cancel my return train travel to Zurich.
It would require something like a rockslide or train accident, not mere "weather", to cancel a train. A delay is possible of course, as with any other means of travel - so if you have to be in ZH at an exact time plan an additional 1/2 to 1 h. But you have to bear in mind that in November the probability is hight that the mountains are fogged in or it rains, or both.
It would require something like a rockslide or train accident, not mere "weather", to cancel a train. A delay is possible of course, as with any other means of travel - so if you have to be in ZH at an exact time plan an additional 1/2 to 1 h. But you have to bear in mind that in November the probability is hight that the mountains are fogged in or it rains, or both.
Jul 31st, 2006, 04:09 PM
#3
For what it's worth, I've visited Switzerland in November, and it's definitely not an ideal time. Most mountain excursions are closed for the season and/or maintenance, as are most mountain hotels and restaurants. I certainly wouldn't suggest going all the way to Interlaken from Zurich for one night.
If you're looking for a taste of the Alps, you might consider heading to Engelberg instead - it's close to both Zurich and Luzern (an hour by train give or take). It's also a mountain town, so many places will be closed, but it's a heck of alot closer.
If you're looking for a taste of the Alps, you might consider heading to Engelberg instead - it's close to both Zurich and Luzern (an hour by train give or take). It's also a mountain town, so many places will be closed, but it's a heck of alot closer.
Jul 31st, 2006, 04:42 PM
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I would head for Lucerne - very close to Zurich by train. But it has an adorable old town, including an encricling wal and wooden bridge, a couple of cute museums, a beautiful lake with a variety of boat trips to mountains or small towns along the lake.
Also - there are several mountains right nearby that you can ascend (by cable car or train - cog wheel?) if the weather is good. (Many days that time of year the tops of the mountains are just clouded in - clouds not fog.)
But at a minimum you could do a couple of short hikes from some of the smaller towns if you want - and not such a trek as Interlaken.
Also - there are several mountains right nearby that you can ascend (by cable car or train - cog wheel?) if the weather is good. (Many days that time of year the tops of the mountains are just clouded in - clouds not fog.)
But at a minimum you could do a couple of short hikes from some of the smaller towns if you want - and not such a trek as Interlaken.
Jul 31st, 2006, 04:53 PM
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Stay at the hotel in Zürich and make a daytrip or two, knowing that you don't have to waste time packing and checking out and checking into a new place you have to find first and unpacking - you get my drift. Come "home" every night, even if it's late.
Luzern is an hour from Zürich by train, and there are many other desirable destinations within easy reach. And if it is typical November weather - overcast, drizzly, and so on, Zürich itself has lots to offer, or you take the train to Winterthur to the Oskar Reinhardt collection, or to Bern for the remarkable new Paul Klee building.
If it's brilliant, get your heavy-duty sunglasses and winter clothing and go to the Säntis, or to Einsiedeln - read a good guide book and get ready for the seasonal eventualities, you will not be bored if you can go with the flow.
Interlaken in that in-between season doesn't have much to offer, save it for another time, it's mostly a springboard to go to destinations in that region, in itself it's not that desirable.
Look up trains at www.rail.ch and distances etc. and maps (even if you don't intend to drive) at www.mappy.com or www.viamichelin.com.
Luzern is an hour from Zürich by train, and there are many other desirable destinations within easy reach. And if it is typical November weather - overcast, drizzly, and so on, Zürich itself has lots to offer, or you take the train to Winterthur to the Oskar Reinhardt collection, or to Bern for the remarkable new Paul Klee building.
If it's brilliant, get your heavy-duty sunglasses and winter clothing and go to the Säntis, or to Einsiedeln - read a good guide book and get ready for the seasonal eventualities, you will not be bored if you can go with the flow.
Interlaken in that in-between season doesn't have much to offer, save it for another time, it's mostly a springboard to go to destinations in that region, in itself it's not that desirable.
Look up trains at www.rail.ch and distances etc. and maps (even if you don't intend to drive) at www.mappy.com or www.viamichelin.com.
